Schaumburg, Illinois, November 12, 2009 — The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) today announced that Mr. Dave Patzwald, Vice President, IPO Integration Services at Schneider Electric North America, will be the keynote speaker at the 2010 Hardlines Technology Forum scheduled to be held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel, Schaumburg, Illinois, April 18 – 21, 2010.

Mr. Patzwald is well-known for his fun-loving approach to technology and in this morale-boosting presentation will explain to attendees how they can unleash their creativity and those of their fellow IT staffers, lifting people's spirits with good humor. He will talk about how to break down the stereotypes of the “non-creative boring geek,” ultimately transforming the unapproachable brand of an IT organization. This session will be a cross between an entertaining keynote and a motivational keynote with some practical advice thrown in for good measure.

“We are very pleased Mr. Patzwald has agreed to address the Hardlines Technology Forum as our keynote speaker for 2010,” said Timothy S. Farrell, President and Chief Executive Officer of AHMA. “This year, more than ever, we feel confident we are providing a forum where hardware / home improvement industry IT and business professionals can gain valuable knowledge and insights to help them achieve their goals in these challenging economic times. Mr. Patzwald’s perspective from a multi-national electrical products supplier to the home improvement industry will help us deliver the type of high quality information attendees have come to expect from the industry’s premier annual event.” Farrell added.

For the first time in 2010, AHMA is offering a money-back satisfaction guaranteed registration to all attendees. If an attendee decides after the conference that the event was not worth the cost, a full refund of the registration fee will be provided. Also, registration fees have been kept below $1,500 for most attendees with early fees of just $895 for AHMA members and $1,145 for non-members. And group room rates have been arranged at just $149 per night at the first-class Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel.

For more information on the 2010 Hardlines Technology Forum, visit www.ahma.org/HTF.

About the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA)

AHMA is a globally focused trade association of manufacturers, or providers, of hardware, home improvement, lawn and garden, paint and decorating, building and construction and related products, as well as manufacturers’ representative’s agencies and trade publications.

AHMA offers many valuable member and industry programs, services and activities including the AHMA Hardlines Technology Forum, AHMA / USA International Pavilions, AHMA Advantage GPO, The Hard Fax: Home Improvement Industry News, The Hard Fax International: Home Improvement Industry News from Around the World, the AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index, Government Relations Programs, Member Benefit Vendor Programs, the AHMA Hardware Industry Relief Effort (HIRE) and the AHMA / Habitat for Humanity Partnership.